• Running Large Language Models (LLM) requires significant computing resources.  To ensure that the service remains highly available and sustainable, a cost-recovery scheme has been introduced.
• LLM charges are based on API usage, which varies depending on the specific model selected.
• The API can be accessed either via chatbots on the HKUST Open WebUI, or through direct API access.
• Every user is granted a free monthly credit balance of HK$8.  This free credit does not carry over to the subsequent month.
• Credit balances update in near real-time. Once your free credit is exhausted, API access will be suspended until you purchase additional credits. You can top up your balance via this link https://pmt2.ust.hk/openai/ to resume using the API services. Paid credits do not expire and will remain valid until fully consumed. Note that paid credit is non-refundable and non-transferrable.
• For Azure OpenAI and Google Gemini AI pricing details, please refer to the links below.
• OpenRouter is used to provide access to non-OpenAI and non-Gemini models. Actual pricing may vary based on upstream providers and active promotional discounts.  Please refer to the OpenRouter section below for reference pricing

         Azure OpenAI Pricing 
         https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/details/cognitive-services/openai-service/ 

        Google Gemini AI Pricing 
         https://cloud.google.com/gemini-enterprise-agent-platform/generative-ai/pricing 

         OpenRouter
         https://openrouter.ai/models